when caring for a child with probable appendicitis the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation?

A. Anorexia
B. Bradycardia
C. Sudden relief from pain
D. Decreased abdominal distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, sudden relief from pain is a critical sign that could indicate perforation of the appendix. Perforation results in the release of pressure and inflammation, leading to a temporary relief of pain. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and decreased abdominal distention are symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis itself, not perforation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a direct manifestation of appendicitis or its complications.

2. In assessing sexual maturity levels, which tool would you expect to use?

A. Denver II Developmental Screening
B. Tanner staging
C. Antibody testing
D. Nursing process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tanner staging. Tanner staging is a tool specifically used to assess sexual maturity in adolescents based on the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The Tanner scale ranges from stage 1 (prepubertal) to stage 5 (adult maturity). This tool helps healthcare providers evaluate the physical development and sexual maturation of individuals. Choice A, the Denver II Developmental Screening, is used to assess developmental milestones in children. Choice C, antibody testing, is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. Choice D, the nursing process, is a systematic method that nurses use to deliver patient-centered care, involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

3. What is the recommended method to assess hydration status in infants?

A. Capillary refill time
B. Skin turgor
C. Urine output
D. Mucous membranes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine output. Assessing urine output is a recommended method to determine hydration status in infants. Adequate urine output indicates good hydration, while decreased urine output may suggest dehydration. Capillary refill time (Choice A) is more indicative of circulatory status rather than hydration. Skin turgor (Choice B) is a useful assessment in adults but can be less reliable in infants. Checking mucous membranes (Choice D) can provide some information on hydration, but it is not as reliable as assessing urine output in infants.

4. The nurse is preparing to admit a 6-month-old child with gastroesophageal reflux disease. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

A. Spitting up
B. Bilious vomiting
C. Failure to thrive
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in infants typically presents with symptoms such as spitting up, failure to thrive, excessive crying, and respiratory problems due to aspiration. Bilious vomiting is not a common symptom of GERD in infants and may indicate a different or more severe condition, such as intestinal obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are all expected clinical manifestations of GERD in a 6-month-old child, making option D the correct answer.